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U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1196-V

Flow Studies for Recycling Metal Commodities in the United States

Germanium Recycling in the United States in 2000

(Supersedes Open-File Report 2005-1274)

Published 2006
Online only
Version 1.0

By John D. Jorgenson

Abstract

This report describes the recycling flow of germanium in the United States in 2000, as well as other germanium material flow streams. Germanium was recycled mostly from new scrap that was generated during the manufacture of germanium-containing fiber optic cables and from new and old scrap products of germanium-containing infrared imaging devices. In 2000, about 11.5 metric tons of germanium was recycled, about 40 percent of which was derived from old scrap. The germanium recycling rate was estimated to be 50 percent, and germanium scrap recycling efficiency, 76 percent.

Report

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Circular 1196-V [245-KB PDF].

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Contact

For scientific questions or comments concerning this report, contact John D. Jorgenson.

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